Holster

ABSTRACT

A holster purse system that secures and conceals a weapon in a holster compartment within a side pocket of the purse. The holster compartment contains an extender tab at the opening of the purse holster to create a larger opening to the holster compartment that accommodates larger weapons and prevents weapons from becoming stuck at the holster compartment opening. The holster compartment allows easy insertion of the weapon while also securing the weapon. The holster compartment contains is shaped to accommodate the contours of the weapon. Once the weapon has been inserted in the compartment, the extender automatically reverts to a closed position such that the opening of the compartment decreases in size, preventing the unintentional release of the weapon. The present invention provides greater accessibility to the weapon in the holster compartment while also decreasing the visibility of the weapon since the holster compartment is not visible to passersby.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying personal items, specifically an apparatus for carrying concealed weapons.

2. Description of Prior Art

Gun owners often desire to conceal their weapons from open view. In addition, many states laws only permit concealed carry and not open carry. A concealed holster allows a user to carry a weapon while maintaining the use of both hands. A concealed weapon allows a user to maintain the element of surprise when the time arises to use the weapon since the weapon is not visible to passersby. Most holsters remain hidden from view yet still accessible should the user feel threatened or encounter a dangerous situation.

Typically holsters are worn at the waist. Holsters are also available for attachment to the ankle, thigh, or shoulder. These types of holsters are commonly worn under loose clothing or concealed by a sports coat or shirt when worn over clothing. In either case, the user's clothing, helps to conceal the weapon from view. Currently, holsters hidden or attached to accessories such as, belts, fanny packs, and purses are also available. A holster attached to a belt is not likely to be well concealed due to the slight width of the belt. Although a weapon can be concealed in a fanny pack, the pack will become bulky and even more unsightly with the enclosed weapon.

Purse holsters are another method of accomplishing concealed carry. Frequently, the holster compartment of the traditional purse holster is located in the middle section of the purse. Oftentimes, the zipper or opening to the compartment is positioned at either end of the handbag or purse. This positioning is problematic because the zipper or containment mechanism is visible to passersby, alerting them to the presence of the “hidden” compartment. In addition, the hidden compartment will be accessible to passersby who may desire to disarm the user. In addition, due to the slim nature of the holster compartment opening, the weapon is not easily inserted into the thin compartment. Often times, the weapon may snag on the opening of the holster compartment. There is also the danger of the weapon sliding about the holster compartment. A loose weapon presents a potential hazard for the owner of the weapon as well as any persons in the surrounding area. Criminals of today are aware that weapons may be hidden with purses or other fashion accessories. Traditional purse holsters draw the eye of criminals since the zipper enclosing the holster compartment is usually located on the side of the purse. As users often carry a purse holster on the shoulder, the zippered edge of the holster compartment is not only visible but is accessible by other persons since it is positioned at the outer edge of the purse. Currently existing holsters in purses are not wide enough for a user to insert her hand and fire the weapon from the holster compartment. The weapon must be removed from the holster in order for the user to properly grip and fire the weapon.

The present invention was developed to solve these shortcomings of presently available holster purses. In the present apparatus, the opening to the holster compartment is located on the back side of the purse so that said opening is positioned against the body of the user while the purse holster is in use. In addition, the entrance to the holster compartment contains an extender to create a larger opening to the holster compartment. In the present holster purse system, the concealed weapon is more accessible to the user and less visible to potential enemies.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to conceal a weapon at the interior side of a purse or comparable fashion accessory to prevent access by persons other than the intended user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a holster compartment wide enough to allow the hand of the user to grip and fire the weapon from inside the holster.

It is another object of the present invention to conceal a weapon in a manner that allows the firing of said weapon while still secured.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a holster compartment molded to the shape of the weapon within the holster compartment to prevent movement of the concealed weapon within the holster compartment.

It is another object of the present invention to prevent snagging of the weapon on the holster compartment opening by enlarging the holster compartment opening through the use of an extender.

It is another object of the present invention to securely conceal a weapon in a fashion accessory worn by the user.

It is another object of the present invention to conceal a weapon in such manner that the weapon may be fired through the fashion accessory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The holster purse system consists of a holster compartment integrated into a carrying case, purse, handbag or similar device. The system includes a holster compartment 8, containment mechanism 4, an extender 5, and a hand bag. The holster purse system accommodates a variety of weapons, including but not limited to pistols, revolvers, knives, pepper spray, mace, and stun guns.

The holster compartment 8 secures the chosen weapon inside the holster purse system. In this embodiment, the holster compartment 8 is located on the interior side of the purse or handbag. The holster compartment 8 lies within the exterior wall of the purse. The holster compartment 8 is not visible to passersby due to its location inside the holster purse system. In addition, the holster compartment 8 is shaped to mimic the contours or outline of the weapon. In this embodiment, the shape of the holster compartment 8 is comparable to that of a handgun. The holster compartment 8 may be constructed of a number of materials such as cotton, nylon, plastic or leather.

The containment mechanism 4 serves to enclose the weapon in the holster compartment 8, which is positioned within the exterior wall of said holster purse. The containment mechanism 4 extends from the bottom of the holster compartment 7 opening to the top of the holster compartment opening 7. A user would insert a weapon into the holster compartment 8 through the opening created by an open containment mechanism 4. When the containment mechanism 4 is in a closed position, the weapon is further secured inside the holster compartment 8 since it cannot easily be removed through the closed containment mechanism 4. In this embodiment, the containment mechanism is a zipper device. However, the containment mechanism 4 could also be snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or sliders.

The exterior wall of the holster purse system also includes an extender 5 to ensure that the opening of the holster compartment 7 is sufficiently wide to accept a weapon. In other holster purse systems, the weapon may snag or become caught at the opening of the holster compartment. Portions of a bulky weapon may become entangled with the containment mechanism 4 at the opening of the compartment 7 or the user may have difficulty forcing the weapon through the narrow space at the opening of the holster compartment 7. In the present holster purse system, the extender 5 runs from a first end of the holster compartment opening 7 to a point between said first end and the opposite edge of the holster purse system, such that the extender 5 is perpendicular to the holster compartment opening 7. The extender 5 is comprised of at extra portion of material at the opening of the holster compartment 7 that allows the opening at the corner edge of the holster compartment to open wider than the corner edge of the holster compartment without the extender. The larger opening at the edge of the holster compartment, created by the extender 5, prevents snagging of the weapon as the weapon is inserted in the holster compartment 8.

The handbag or purse in the present system is a carrying ease used by persons to transport their personal belongings throughout the day. The purse may be constructed of leather, imitation leather, nylon or any similarly sturdy material. The present embodiment of the handbag or purse includes a holster compartment 8 for carrying a concealed weapon and shoulder straps 2. However, the carrying case may or may not include shoulder straps. In various embodiments, the handbag interior cavity of the handbag may be surrounded by two, three, four or more exterior walls. The holster compartment is integrated into the exterior wall of the handbag or carrying case. In this embodiment, the opening to the holster compartment is directed towards the forward side exterior panel 6 of the handbag. The user would access the holster compartment 8 through the open containment mechanism 4, or unzipped zipper in this embodiment. The extender 5 provides a larger opening to the holster compartment 7. As the weapon is inserted, the holster compartment opening becomes even larger due to the extra give provided by the extender 5. A bulky weapon is unlikely to become snagged or caught on the larger opening of the holster compartment. In this embodiment, the handbag shoulder straps 2 also function to steady the handbag as the user carries the handbag throughout the day. Should a situation arise where a user desires to fire the weapon, the shoulder straps 2 will provide additional balance and increase firing accuracy should the user decide to fire the weapon through the purse or carrying case. The shoulder straps also may reduce kickback from firing of the weapon, which could be hazardous to the user.

Once the weapon has been inserted in the holster compartment 8, the weapon is farther secured by several methods. The holster compartment 8 is shaped to mimic the shape or contours of the weapon. In this embodiment, the farthest edge of the holster compartment 8, on the opposite side from the compartment opening 7, is shaped to fit snugly around the barrel of the gun. The edge of the holster compartment near the opening is shaped to fit snugly around the handle of the gun. The exterior wall of the purse 1, which contains the holster compartment 8, provides additional stability. Once the containment mechanism 4 is closed, or the zipper closed in this embodiment, the containment mechanism provides additional security against the edge of the weapon since the weapon is unlikely to be removed from the holster compartment through the closed containment mechanism, or closed zipper.

As the user carries the purse, the containment mechanism 4 and the holster compartment 8 side of the purse are hidden against the user's body. Passersby will not be able to detect any bulge from the holster compartment 8 and will not be able to detect the containment mechanism 4 since it will not be visible when positioned next to the user's body. The hidden nature of the holster compartment 8 and containment mechanism 4 help the user further conceal the presence of a weapon from possible criminals. In addition, the position of the containment mechanism 4 decreases the likelihood of a criminal stealing the weapon since the opening to the holster compartment 7 is positioned against the user's body in use. In addition, once the containment mechanism 4 is open, the user can fire the weapon through the handbag or remove the weapon to fire it. Should the user choose to fire the weapon through the handbag or carrying case, the user would insert her hand into the holster compartment 8, grip the weapon, aim and fire at the intended target. The shoulder strap 2 of the handbag functions to further steady the weapon and increase firing accuracy of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the holster purse system;

Ref. 1 is a view of the front exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 6 is a view of the side exterior panel of the purse;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the holster purse system;

Ref. 1 is a view of the front exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 6 is a view of the side exterior panel of the purse;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the holster purse system;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 3 is a view of the back exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 4 is a view of the containment mechanism, in a closed position;

Ref. 5 is a view of the extender, in a closed position;

Ref. 6 is a view of the side exterior panel of the purse;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the holster purse system with the holster compartment exposed;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 3 is a view of the back exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 4 is a view of the containment mechanism, in an open position;

Ref. 8 is a view of the holster compartment, positioned outside the holster purse system;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the holster purse system with the holster compartment exposed;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 3 is a view of the back exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 4 is a view of the containment mechanism, in an open position;

Ref. 8 is a view of the holster compartment, positioned outside the holster purse system;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the holster purse system;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 3 is a view of the back exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 4 is a view of the containment mechanism, in on open position;

Ref. 5 is a view of the extender, in an open position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the holster purse system;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 4 is a view of the containment mechanism, in a closed position;

Ref. 6 is a view of the side exterior panel of the purse;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the holster purse system;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 4 is a view of the containment mechanism, in a closed position;

Ref. 6 is a view of the side exterior panel of the purse;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the holster purse system;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 4 is a view of the containment mechanism, in a closed position;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the holster purse system;

Ref. 1 is a view of the front exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 3 is a view of the back exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 6 is a view of the side exterior panel of the purse;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the holster purse system;

Ref. 2 is a view of the shoulder straps;

Ref. 3 is a view of the back exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 4 is a view of the containment mechanism, in an open position;

Ref. 5 is a view of the extender, in an extended position;

Ref. 6 is a view of the side exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 7 is a view of the opening of the holster compartment;

FIG. 12 is a close up view of the extender in an extended position;

Ref. 3 is a view of the back exterior panel of the purse;

Ref. 4 is a view of the containment mechanism, in an open position;

Ref. 5 is a view of the extender, in an extended position;

FIG. 13 is a close up view of the holster compartment;

Ref. 8 is a view of the holster compartment, positioned outside the holster purse system;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

While the above description is of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the invention may be modified, altered, or varied without deviating from the scope and fair meaning of the following claims.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-13, the holster purse system allows a user to carry a weapon concealed in a handbag or purse in such a way that passersby will not detect the possible presence of the weapon. In addition, users will not encounter difficulty inserting and removing a weapon from the holster purse system. FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the holster purse system. On the front side of the purse, the front exterior panel 1 is visible. Directly across from the front exterior panel is the back exterior panel 3. The front exterior panel 1 and back exterior panel 3 are connected by dual side exterior panels 6. The interior storage portion, or interior cavity, of the purse is surrounded by the front exterior panel 1, back exterior panel of the purse 3, and dual side exterior panels 6. Shoulder straps 2 are attached to the top portions of both the front exterior panel 1 and the back exterior panel 3. A user of the holster purse system will insert their arm through the shoulder straps and allow the shoulder straps to rest on the user's shoulder. In use, the back exterior panel would rest against the user's body. FIG. 2 shows the front view of the holster purse system. The shoulder straps 2 are attached to the top portion of the front exterior panel 1.

FIG. 3 shows the back view of the holster purse system. At the back of the purse, the back exterior panel 3, containment mechanism 4, and extender 5 are visible. The back exterior panel 3 is directly across from the front exterior panel 1 and on the other side of the interior storage cavity of the purse. Dual side panels are at the end of both the front exterior 1 and back exterior panels 3. The containment mechanism 4 serves to close the holster compartment 8 and ensure the contents of the holster compartment 8 remain inside the holster compartment. In this embodiment, the containment mechanism 4 is a zipper. The extender 5 provides a larger opening area at the edge of the holster compartment 7. The extender 5 the extender runs from a first end of the holster compartment opening to a point between said first end and the opposite edge of the holster purse system, such that the extender 5 is perpendicular to the holster compartment 8 opening. The extender 5 is comprised of an extra portion of material at the opening of the holster compartment 7 that allows the corner edge of the holster compartment to open wider to prevent snagging as a weapon is inserted into the holster compartment 8.

When the holster compartment 8 is pulled from the space between the back exterior panel 1 and the interior purse cavity, the holster shape is clearly visible. FIG. 4 shows the holster purse system with the holster compartment 8 in an exposed position. The shoulder straps 2 are attached to the top of the back exterior panel 3. The containment mechanism 4 must be in an open state to expose the holster compartment 8. The holster compartment can be directed to the left (FIG. 4) or to the right (FIG. 5) when the holster compartment 8 is in an exposed state. To expose the body of the holster compartment, the containment mechanism 4 must be open.

FIG. 6 shows the back exterior panel 3 with the containment mechanism 4 in an open position. When the containment mechanism 4 is open, the extender 5 is also open. The open extender 5 creates a larger holster compartment opening allowing a user to insert a weapon into the holster compartment without snagging the weapon. The shoulder straps 2 are attached to the top portion of the back exterior panel 3 and the front exterior panel.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the holster purse system. In this embodiment, two side exterior panels 6 are located at the edges of the holster purse system. Each side panel 6 is attached to both the front exterior panel 1 and the back exterior panel 3 such that an interior cavity is created in the holster purse system. Users may store personal belongings in the interior cavity of the holster purse system. The holster compartment 8, within the back exterior wall 3, functions to conceal a weapon within the holster purse system. The shoulder straps 2 help secure the holster purse system in position on the user's shoulder. The containment mechanism 4 closes the holster compartment 8 so that the weapon or item in the holster compartment 8 is secure. In this embodiment, the containment mechanism 4 is a zipper but is understood to be any number of closure devices. The holster purse system also includes an extender 5 which creates a larger opening at the edge of the holster compartment 7 for removal and insertion of a weapon into the holster compartment 7 without snagging. FIG. 8 is a view of the opposite side exterior panel 6 of the holster purse system shown in FIG. 7. In this view, the containment mechanism 4 is closed to secure the weapon in the holster compartment. The shoulder straps 2 would rest on the user's shoulder to provide additional security in positioning the holster purse system on the user's body.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the holster purse system. The shoulder straps 2, at the top edges of both the front exterior panel 1 and the back exterior panel 3, help secure the holster purse system on the body of the user. The containment mechanism 4 secures the contents of the holster compartment 8. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the holster purse system. The bottom edges of the front exterior panel 1, dual side panels 6, and the back exterior panel 3 are connected to the bottom panel of the holster purse system such that an interior cavity is created.

FIG. 11 shows perspective view of the holster purse system with the containment mechanism 4, or zipper, in an open position. The shoulder straps 2 are attached to the front exterior panel 1 and the back exterior panel 3. The shoulder straps 2 help secure the holster purse system on the shoulder of the user. The shoulder straps also help secure the holster purse system in case of kick back when the weapon is fired. When the containment mechanism 4 is in an open position, the extender 5 will also be expanded to increase the space at the opening of the holster compartment 7. Dual side panels 6 are positioned at both ends of the front exterior panel 1 and the back exterior panel 3.

FIG. 12 shows a close up view of the extender 5, in an open position. The containment mechanism 4 is also in an open position when the extender is open allowing for insertion of the weapon without snagging at the opening of the holster compartment or on the containment mechanism. The extender 5 and containment mechanism are positioned at the surface of the back exterior panel 3.

FIG. 13 shows a close up view of the holster compartment 8 separated from the purse holster system. The holster compartment 8 is shaped to mimic the contours of a weapon, a firearm, in this embodiment. The holster compartment is positioned within the back exterior panel 3 of the holster purse system. The holster compartment may also be positioned at a downward angle to farther secure the weapon in the holster compartment. As the weapon is inserted in the holster compartment, the barrel of the weapon will be directed to the far corner of the exterior panel. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A holster system for securing a weapon, said holster system comprising: a carrying case; a compartment; and a a containment mechanism.
 2. The holster of claim 1, wherein said carrying case is comprised of an interior cavity surrounded by at least two exterior walls.
 3. The holster of claim 2, wherein said compartment contains an opening at a single edge of said compartment, wherein said compartment is positioned within a first wall of said exterior walls.
 4. The holster system of claim 3, wherein said opening of said compartment is surrounded by said containment mechanism, wherein said containment mechanism is comprised of a first member and a second member.
 5. The holster system of claim 4, wherein the unfastening of said first member to said second member serves to close said containment mechanism, thereby securing said opening of said compartment.
 6. The holster system of claim 5, wherein said opening contains an extender, wherein said extender is positioned Ea a first end of said opening, where said extender is perpendicular to said containment mechanism of said opening.
 7. The holster system of claim 6, wherein the unfastening of said first member from said second member serves to open said containment mechanism, thereby unsecuring said opening of said compartment.
 8. The holster system of claim 7, wherein said containment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of zipper, slider, hook and loop fasteners, and snaps.
 9. The holster system of claim 8, wherein said compartment is shaped to mimic the contours of a weapon such that said weapon is secure when placed inside said compartment.
 10. The holster system of claim 9, wherein said weapon is selected from the group consisting of firearm, stun gun, mace, pepper spray, and knife. 